Dan Ballard by the numbers – Regis Le Bris is proven wrong by Sunderland substitute hero
Regis Le Bris will be disappointed that his Sunderland side didn’t pick up any points at Old Trafford on Saturday.
Sunderland had a penalty overturned, in what was a pivotal moment against Manchester United, as in the end, Le Bris‘ men couldn’t stage a comeback.
After an overall good start, Sunderland are predicted to stay in the Premier League, but that means Le Bris will have to change his side to see improvements.
After scoring in Sunderland‘s first game and win of the season against West Ham, Dan Ballard later picked up an injury, which has prevented the centre-half from starting a game since.
Ballard has made substitute appearances in Sunderland’s last three games, as his performance against Man United shows exactly why he’s earned himself a consistent spot in the starting line up.
Substitute Dan Ballard was Sunderland’s highest-rated player vs Manchester United
Simon Adingra made way for Ballard 37 minutes into the game, as Le Bris sacrificed the winger to change things up for the Black Cats.
Ballard was immense when he came on, as Sunderland instantly looked more secure at the back with him on the field.
| Minutes | Clearances | Tackles | Pass accuracy | Dribbled past | Ariel duels (won) | Rating |
| 53 | 16 | 3 | 92% | 0 | 10 (8) | 7.6 |
Despite coming on from the bench, Ballard finished the game as Sunderland’s highest-rated player, with only Man United’s Bruno Fernandes and Senne Lammens with higher scores than him.
Ballard was crucial in setting Sunderland off on the right foot when he scored and earned a clean sheet against West Ham, a result which now looks vital for the results that were to follow.
The international break could be the perfect chance for Ballard to come back against Wolves, fully refreshed and ready to start.
- Read more: All 32 words Alan Shearer said about Sunderland on Match of the Day in loss vs Man United
Ballard needs to start against relegation rivals Wolves
Sunderland play Wolves at the Stadium of Light on Saturday, 18 October, in what will prove to be a vital game come the end of the season.
Wolves are yet to pick up a win in the Premier League this season as they sit rock-bottom, and Sunderland simply have to take advantage of Wolves’ poor form.
| Position | Team | Points |
| 9th | Sunderland | 11 |
| 20th | Wolves | 2 |
Ballard will offer extra security at the back, as new signings Lutsharel Geertruida and Omar Alderete are still adapting to life in the Premier League.
The Englishman simply has to start, as Le Bris will give him and Sunderland the best chance of winning with Ballard on the field.
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